Introduction and Background
The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) first authorized the Community Development Block Grant Program under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Initially, the CDBG Program emphasized capital facilities, but later shifted the emphasis toward broader community services for low-income residents. Currently, the CDBG Program is one of four federal formula grant programs designed to provide decent housing, economic development opportunities and other public services for low- and moderate-income citizens. HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOWPA) are the three other Federal formula grant programs. HOME provides formula grants to states and localities that are often used in partnership with local nonprofit groups to fund a wide range of housing activities, including construction, purchasing and rehabilitation of affordable housing for rent or homeownership. HOME also provides direct rental assistance to low-income people.
CDBG Grant Entitlement Communities
The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended; 42 U.S.C.-5301
et seq.
Nature of Program
HUD awards grants to entitlement community grantees to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.
Entitlement communities develop their own programs and funding priorities. However, grantees must gi...
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